A nurse is creating a plan of care for a child who has sickle cell anemia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?
Discourage a high level of fluid intake.
Administer meperidine every 4 hr for pain.
Apply cold compresses to painful, swollen joints.
Observe for indications of hypokalemia.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Discouraging a high level of fluid intake is incorrect, as hydration is essential for preventing sickle cell crises and reducing blood viscosity. The nurse should encourage the child to drink at least 1.5 times the normal fluid requirement.
Choice B reason: Administering meperidine every 4 hr for pain is incorrect, as meperidine is not recommended for sickle cell pain due to the risk of neurotoxicity and seizures. The nurse should use other opioids such as morphine or hydromorphone for pain management.
Choice C reason: Applying cold compresses to painful, swollen joints is incorrect, as cold can cause vasoconstriction and worsen the sickling of red blood cells. The nurse should use warm compresses or heating pads to promote vasodilation and blood flow.
Choice D reason: Observing for indications of hypokalemia is correct, as sickle cell anemia can cause hemolysis and potassium loss. The nurse should monitor the child's serum potassium level and watch for signs of hypokalemia such as muscle weakness, cramps, arrhythmias, and constipation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Balancing the scale to 0 prior to use is a correct action for the nurse to take. This ensures that the scale is accurate and does not include any extra weight from the scale itself or any objects on it.
Choice B reason: Using a stadiometer to measure the infant is not a correct action for the nurse to take. A stadiometer is a device that measures the height of a standing person. It is not suitable for measuring the length of an infant who cannot stand. The nurse should use a measuring board or a tape measure to measure the infant's length.
Choice C reason: Placing a disposable covering on the scale is a correct action for the nurse to take. This prevents the transmission of germs or dirt from the scale to the infant or vice versa. It also protects the scale from any urine or stool that the infant may produce during the weighing.
Choice D reason: Weighing the infant in a diaper is not a correct action for the nurse to take. A diaper can add extra weight to the infant's measurement and affect the accuracy of the result. The nurse should weigh the infant without any clothing or diaper.
Choice E reason: Measuring the infant from crown of the head to the heels of feet is a correct action for the nurse to take. This is the standard method of measuring the length of an infant. The nurse should place the infant on a flat surface, align the head with the top of the measuring board or tape measure, and extend the legs fully. The nurse should then read the measurement at the bottom of the infant's feet.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Maintaining the infant in the supine position is not an appropriate intervention, as it can increase the pressure on the myelomeningocele sac and cause further damage to the spinal cord. The nurse should position the infant prone or side-lying, with the head turned to one side and the hips flexed.
Choice B reason: Limiting visitors to immediate family members is not a necessary intervention, as the infant does not have an infectious condition that requires isolation. The nurse should encourage the parents and other family members to visit and bond with the infant, and provide emotional support and education.
Choice C reason: Initiating contact precautions is not a required intervention, as the infant does not have a contagious condition that poses a risk of transmission to others. The nurse should follow standard precautions, such as washing hands, wearing gloves, and disposing of contaminated materials properly.
Choice D reason: Providing a latex-free environment is an essential intervention, as the infant has a high risk of developing a latex allergy due to the frequent exposure to latex products during surgery and other procedures. The nurse should avoid using latex gloves, catheters, syringes, bandages, or other items that contain latex, and use alternative materials instead. The nurse should also label the infant's chart, crib, and door with a latex allergy alert.
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